The Modern Explorer

Join us for a riveting episode of the Modern Explorer podcast with guest Ross Bernards. We delve into the magnetic allure Colorado exerts on adventurers, igniting their passion for the great outdoors. Ross shares his transformative journey from a life-changing trip to Eastern Utah, where his fascination with canyoneering was sparked. He recounts a harrowing tale from a climb near Arches National Park that propelled him into a full-time career in photography. Prepare to be captivated by the legendary Utah monolith saga and exhilarating tales of canyoneering adventures in Costa Rica. Tune in for a thrilling exploration of the world's most breathtaking landscapes and the indomitable spirit of exploration.

Join us on The Modern Explorer Podcast as we dive into captivating tales with special guest Chris Balladarez. Hear about the transformative journey through the Southwest that ignited his passion for travel and photography. Discover the profound impact of a meaningful trip to Patagonia, where Chris, alongside his wife and a talented group of creatives, embarked on a Canon shoot. Be enthralled by his humbling experience in the Eastern Sierras, as he attempted a summit of Mount Whitney. From chasing tornadoes and storms through the Midwest to the power of overcoming fear and embracing open-mindedness, Chris shares his inspiring adventures that will leave you eager to explore the world.

In this episode of the Modern Explorer Podcast, join me as I sit down with Mike Anthony, a seasoned traveler, to delve into his captivating journey across the globe. From his bold decision to leave his job and embark on a 4-6 month exploration of Southeast Asia to his immersive experiences in Portugal and the breathtaking landscapes of Southwest Colorado during fall, Mike's stories are bound to inspire wanderlust in all of us. Reflecting on his first major photography trip in Colorado, where he forged connections with fellow photographers, Mike shares valuable insights on maintaining sanity while navigating the challenges of being a self-critic in photography and adapting to unexpected twists during travels without letting them overshadow the adventure. Tune in as Mike discusses his eagerly anticipated upcoming trip to Norway, a destination he's dreamed of visiting for as long as he can remember.

In this episode, join me as I delve into the highlights of my exhilarating 8-day road trip across the breathtaking landscapes of Zion, the Eastern Sierras, and Hanksville. From the vibrant carpets of blooming lupine to the exhilarating rush of whipping my bike through stunning canyons, every moment of this adventure was infused with wonder and discovery. I'll take you along as I recount the sights, sounds, and scents of each destination, from the majestic peaks of the Sierras to the serene beauty of Zion's red-rock canyons. Along the way, we'll pause to marvel at the delicate beauty of blooming desert flowers, their vibrant hues painting the arid landscape with bursts of color. But this journey isn't just about the sights—it's about the experiences that linger in the heart and mind long after the trip has ended. I'll share my main takeaways from the road, reflecting on the lessons learned and the moments of clarity and connection that emerged amidst the beauty of nature. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to be transported to the open road as I bring you along on this unforgettable journey. From the wildflower-strewn meadows of the Sierras to the rugged canyons of Zion and the tranquil desert vistas of Hanksville, this road trip was a symphony of adventure and discovery, and I can't wait to share it with you.

Join us on an enthralling adventure as we laugh over several stories shared by our guest, Ramon Arroyo Jr., from his unforgettable trips to Utah and Iceland. In this captivating episode of The Modern Explorer, Ramon takes us on a vivid exploration of his inaugural creator meetup in Utah, where he found himself among esteemed guests from our previous episodes. Discover how this experience became a beacon of inspiration, shedding light on the boundless potential within the creative community. From the rugged terrains of Utah to the otherworldly landscapes of Iceland, Ramon unravels the profound impact these destinations had on his creative journey. Listen intently as he recounts the awe-inspiring moments and profound insights that reshaped his perspective on creativity. With each anecdote, Ramon unveils layers of discovery, showcasing how these trips served as catalysts for his creative evolution. Yet, the journey doesn't conclude here. Accompany us as Ramon provides a glimpse into the exciting adventures he has in store, teasing us with hints of forthcoming explorations. Through his reflections, Ramon imparts invaluable wisdom on the virtue of patience, reminding us that great creativity often flourishes in the fertile soil of time. Dive into this exhilarating episode of The Modern Explorer as we immerse ourselves in the depths of creativity, guided by the remarkable experiences of Ramon Arroyo Jr.          

Join us on The Modern Explorer Podcast as we chat with guest JP Ramirez, a passionate photographer whose exploration of both landscapes and creativity has been deeply influenced by the unique challenges and opportunities of the COVID-19 era. In this episode, JP shares his personal odyssey of discovery ignited by the pandemic, which pushed him to expand his photographic horizons. Through his lens, he invites us to witness the profound impact of his trips to mesmerizing locations like Hanksville, White Pocket, and the majestic Yosemite National Park. These expeditions not only deepened his love for exploration but also fueled his artistic vision. But JP's exploration extends beyond landscapes; he's also dedicated to fostering a community of creatives. Tune in as he reveals his innovative initiatives to bring like-minded individuals together through meetups in some of the most breathtaking locales, creating spaces where inspiration knows no bounds. Amidst the backdrop of his adventures, JP offers invaluable insights into the creative process. He discusses the importance of resisting the trap of comparison, emphasizing the need to nurture one's unique voice and vision. Through heartfelt anecdotes, he illuminates what it truly means to create content that resonates deeply with both creator and audience alike. So whether you're an avid explorer or a budding artist, join us for an inspiring conversation with JP Ramirez as we uncover the essence of exploration and creativity in the modern world.

Join us on this exhilarating episode of The Modern Explorer as we sit down with the captivating Forest Funk, a seasoned drone pilot whose journey from the vibrant lights of Alabama casinos to the breathtaking landscapes of California and beyond is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, Forest takes us back to his early days as a drone pilot in Alabama, recounting how a serendipitous job at a local casino sparked his passion for aerial photography and led him to acquire his very first drone. From capturing the dynamic energy of the bustling casino scene to exploring the hidden gems of Alabama's natural landscapes, Forest shares the transformative power of aerial photography in shaping his perspective of the world. But the adventure doesn't stop there. Forest regales us with tales of his spontaneous escapades in New Hampshire, where a planned trip with a group of Instagram friends led to unforgettable adventures in the great outdoors. From hiking through rugged terrain to soaring above majestic mountains, Forest and his newfound companions embark on a journey of discovery and camaraderie that exemplifies the spirit of modern exploration. One of the highlights of Forest's journey is his awe-inspiring encounter with Factory Butte, a majestic landmark in Utah that leaves an indelible mark on his soul. Through Forest's lens, we witness the raw beauty and grandeur of this natural wonder, reminding us of the profound connection between humanity and the natural world. But it's not all about breathtaking landscapes and daring adventures. Forest also shares invaluable insights and advice for aspiring creatives and social media enthusiasts looking to carve out their own path in the digital age. From cultivating a unique aesthetic to fostering authentic connections with your audience, Forest offers practical tips and heartfelt encouragement for those seeking to turn their passion into a thriving career. So join us as we embark on a captivating journey with Forest Funk, a modern explorer whose boundless curiosity and adventurous spirit inspire us to see the world in a whole new light.

Last week marked 1 year of my full-time freelance career. It's been a roller coast ride and has taught me more than I could have ever imagined.    In this episode, I reflect on the adventures from starting off in Utah, to spending two weeks chasing wildflowers, time in the Tetons, a month back east for the foliage, time in Texas, and more recently a trip to Sedona.   The latter half goes into 10 things I've learned or implemented that have left an impact on myself and hopefully will spark some habits in you. 

Join us in this captivating episode of The Modern Explorer Podcast as we delve into the thrilling adventures of Clyde Plasencia, a true aficionado of the great outdoors. Clyde takes us on a nostalgic journey, recounting his formative years growing up in Colorado, where his passion for exploration was ignited at a tender age. From attending a transformative camp that introduced him to the wonders of nature to conquering formidable 14ers at the astonishing age of 10, Clyde's journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Prepare to be mesmerized as he shares the exhilarating tale of his solo camping escapade that will leave you on the edge of your seat, hanging onto every word. But Clyde's adventures don't stop there. He regales us with tales of his unforgettable summer road trip through the picturesque landscapes of Colorado, accompanied by his loyal canine companion and trusty Subaru. As he traverses the rugged terrain, Clyde discovers the true essence of freedom and camaraderie, forging unforgettable memories along the way. And if that wasn't enough, Clyde takes us on a thrilling road trip through the breathtaking vistas of Utah, where he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration. From capturing stunning landscapes to experimenting with new forms of photography, Clyde's adventure through Utah is a testament to the transformative power of travel and friendship. Tune in as Clyde Plasencia shares his remarkable journey of self-discovery, resilience, and boundless exploration. Whether you're an avid outdoors enthusiast or simply seeking inspiration, this episode promises to ignite your sense of wanderlust and leave you yearning for your next great adventure.

Join us for an enchanting episode of the Modern Explorer Podcast as we sit down with Dasha Afanaseva, a passionate outdoor enthusiast and avid photographer. Dasha takes us on a captivating journey through her life's adventures, from idyllic summers in the Ukrainian countryside to transformative experiences in the majestic mountains of Switzerland and Colorado. Discover how Dasha's childhood summers spent amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Ukrainian countryside ignited her love for the great outdoors, planting the seeds for a lifelong passion for exploration. Through her eyes, we witness the magic of her first trip to Switzerland, inspired by the enchanting landscapes depicted in the Lord of the Rings, as she discovers the awe-inspiring beauty of the mountains for the first time. Listen in as Dasha shares captivating tales from her adventures in Iceland and Scotland, where she learned to strike a delicate balance between capturing moments through her lens and immersing herself in the raw, untamed beauty of nature. From the otherworldly landscapes of Iceland, where every corner begged to be captured, to the serene tranquility of Scotland's rugged highlands, where she found solace in simply being present in the moment, Dasha's stories paint a vivid portrait of the power of nature to inspire and awe. In a heartfelt conversation, Dasha shares profound insights on the importance of embracing new experiences and pushing past the limitations imposed by age. Through her own journey of self-discovery and personal growth, she reminds us that adventure knows no bounds and that the beauty of the world is meant to be savored, cherished, and shared. Tune in to the Modern Explorer Podcast and embark on an unforgettable adventure with Dasha Afanaseva, where every moment is an opportunity to discover the beauty that lies within and around us.

In this thrilling episode of the Modern Explorer Podcast, we're joined by the intrepid James Williams, a seasoned road warrior with a passion for adventure and environmental conservation. Get ready for a wild ride as James shares jaw-dropping tales from his epic journeys, including daring exploits behind the wheel of a Geo Metro and a 3-plus week trip in a trusty Prius. Buckle up as James recounts the unforgettable experiences and unexpected challenges encountered during his 6,000-mile trek in a Geo Metro, proving that big adventures can come in small packages. From navigating western terrain to sleeping alongside the car at a truck stop in New Mexico, James reveals the transformative power of life on the open road. But the adventure doesn't end there! Join us as James delves into the heart of his latest escapade: living life on the road in a converted ambulance. From impromptu campfires to starlit nights beneath the open sky, James shares the joys and trials of nomadic living and the freedom it brings. In a passionate discussion, James unveils his latest endeavor: the giveaway of his beloved ambulance, a symbol of his commitment to protecting our public lands for future generations. Discover how this generous act of philanthropy will support environmental conservation efforts and empower others to explore and cherish the natural world. Don't miss this inspiring episode of the Modern Explorer Podcast, where the spirit of adventure meets the call to action for environmental stewardship. Join James Williams as he shares his wild stories from the road and inspires listeners to embark on their own journey of exploration and advocacy. Make sure to stay up to date with giveaway details here - https://expeditionranch.com/

Join us on the Modern Explorer Podcast for an exhilarating episode featuring Tristan Sadler, a seasoned adventurer, and passionate storyteller. Tristan takes us on a journey through his lifelong love affair with the great outdoors, shaped by the profound influence of his parents from an early age. Discover how Tristan's adventurous spirit was sparked by childhood escapades in nature, laying the groundwork for his deep-seated connection to the wilderness. Through his passion for film and photography, cultivated during his years of skateboarding and snowboarding, Tristan found a powerful medium for capturing and sharing his outdoor adventures. Listen in as Tristan shares captivating tales from his snowboarding escapades in Japan, where he experienced the thrill of carving through powder-drenched slopes amidst breathtaking scenery. He also regales us with stories from his explorations in New Zealand and reflects on the transformative impact of countless summers spent amidst the majestic landscapes of Glacier National Park. In a candid conversation, Tristan offers invaluable insights into the art of photography, encouraging listeners to embrace creativity without the constraints of perfectionism. He emphasizes the importance of having fun and staying true to one's unique vision, even in the face of technical challenges. Explore the power of camaraderie and the joy of shared experiences as Tristan discusses the value of bringing along friends on outdoor adventures. He highlights the opportunity for mutual learning and growth, emphasizing the importance of embracing different perspectives, even from less experienced photographers. Tune in to the Modern Explorer Podcast and embark on a voyage of discovery with Tristan Sadler, where the beauty of the wilderness meets the artistry of storytelling through film and photography.

Join us for an inspiring episode as we sit down with Forest Barkdoll-Weil, a passionate outdoor enthusiast and professional photographer. Forest shares with us his journey of discovery, ignited by his parents who instilled a love for the great outdoors in him from a young age. We delve into how Forest's childhood adventures in nature laid the foundation for his appreciation of the world's beauty, eventually leading him to pick up a camera and capture the breathtaking landscapes he encountered. He recounts a pivotal moment during a trip to Hawaii where his interest in photography truly blossomed, forever intertwining his love for exploration with his creative pursuits. Throughout our conversation, Forest takes us on a visual journey through his travels, from the rugged landscapes of Utah to the ethereal beauty of Lofoten in Norway. He shares captivating anecdotes and insights gained from his experiences, highlighting the profound impact that immersing oneself in nature can have on personal growth and creativity. Drawing from his own journey as a photographer and creative, Forest offers valuable advice on how aspiring artists can nurture their craft and find their unique voice. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or simply drawn to the wonders of the natural world, this episode is sure to leave you inspired to embark on your own creative adventures. Tune in to The Modern Explorer as we explore the intersection of nature, photography, and personal growth with the talented Forest Barkdoll-Weil.

Strap in for this riveting conversation with Samer, the intrepid cyclist who's pedaled across continents. From Boston to Ushuaia, he conquered the Americas. Now, fueled by wanderlust, he's on a quest from Norway to South Africa. Join us as we delve into the exhilarating challenges and breathtaking landscapes Samer encounters, revealing the transformative power of long-distance cycling and the boundless spirit of human exploration. Be sure to follow the rest of his journey on instagram @lion.samer

In this episode, I talk about the past month of February and the takeaways from a month of nonstop travel. I share my thoughts on burnout and the seeming competition that travel has become for a lot of us creators. Towards the end of the month, it was starting to feel less exciting and that was devastating for me while spending time skiing in Jackson Hole, a big bucket list item I had been looking to check off for a while. I talk about the importance of slowing down while traveling and making the most of what you are given during that time. 

Beyond excited to have Keegan on the show after a while of trying to coordinate schedules, but it was well worth the wait. The man has been crushing it recently with some inspiring videos on Instagram and plenty of 4Runner adventures on Youtube. We talk about his passion for video that started with a camcorder way back and has never left him since, a recent trip to Iceland and Switzerland, and the majestic tales of the Tetons and Jackson, WY. Be sure to listen in to find out where you can find the best hot dog in the world as well as listening to the insights that have helped him grow a massive following in a short period of time. Go follow him on Instagram and Youtube @keeganjasper

Get yourself ready for a good one, because Adina brings so much energy and wisdom to this episode that you're going to be ready to run through a wall by the end of it. She is go-getter tackling some very challenging treks and peaks and making them look like nothing. Adina talks about her experiences with summiting Mt. Rainier, trekking through Peru, and her constant push to get herself out challenging herself physically in the most beautiful places on earth. Along with these experiences, she shares her unapologetic self and encourages us to do the same. Listen in for more details and be sure to follow her along on her adventures @adina_all_over.

Excited to be sharing this long overdue episode with Julio Diez, an active resident of the Roaring Fork Valley, who is always taking his rigs to the most gnarly terrain in Colorado, Utah, and beyond. He shares how his spark for exploration was closely aligned to when he received his license. He took a trip from New Jersey up to Niagara Falls closely after and then once exposed to the mountains of Colorado while on a visit to his brother, he was hooked on what the West had to offer. Listen in for more on these stories, descriptions of Black Bear Pass, and more. And be sure to follow along on his adventures via instagram @diezj

Excited to be sharing this episode with Rebe Dunn, who talks about the impact of spending 7 weeks in the wilderness at the age of 14 and how it formed her love and appreciation for the outdoors. In her young 20's she decided to move to Vail from Dallas for a summer, packing up in 2 days, and then proceeded to spend the next 4 years living in one of Colorado's premiere mountain towns. Rebe also talks about the profound impact of a month-long trip to Columbia where she was able to connect with locals and gain an appreciation for the hard work and sometimes dangers that many people have to take on to provide for themselves and their families. Along with these and some other exciting trips, she discusses mindsets that so many of us can try to implement in our lives to help us grow and live a life that is true to us. Be sure to follow her along on her adventures on instagram @rebeexplores

Stoked to have a CB legend on this episode in Eric Phillips. He shares how his love for the outdoors came at an early age and was amplified when moving from Wisconsin out to Colorado in the middle of college. He has learned to make the most of his beautiful backyard in the West Elks while finding ways to explore it year-round. When he is not found outdoors, he shares how he has found himself involved with the community in making his beautiful home somewhere everyone can enjoy. Be sure to listen in for more and follow him along on instagram @phillips_photo

Excited to be sharing this conversation with Pat Abraham, a well-traveled photographer, who shares some stories from some of the more remote areas of the world in Iceland, Socotra, and Namibia. He has seemingly explored every part of Iceland on three trips already with one in the works as he describes the rugged terrain and the natural beauty throughout the country. Listen in for stories from there, the journeys to get to the remote island of Socotra, and the least populated country and oldest desert in the world in Namibia. Pat also has great insight about avoiding falling into the comparison game many creatives often find themselves victim to. Be sure to check out his incredible images and footage on instagram @wanderingpat.

Brooks has undoubtedly had some of the most culturally enriching travels of anyone I've had on the show. He shares about a trip to Ghana and South Africa that changed his perspective on the world we live in and the possessions many of us take for granted. Experiencing the poverty in these areas opened his eyes to the power of storytelling through his lens. You also might be surprised to hear what gave him the initial spark to pick up a camera and get outside to explore his own backyard. Along with these experiences, he shares some valuable lessons he has learned from climbing in the mountains of Colorado and through his travels abroad. Be sure to follow him along for more experiences and news on some upcoming films @brooksupham.

Excited to be sharing this episode with my cousin, Logan Jones-Wilkins, and somewhat of a new perspective from the stories past guests have been sharing so far. Logan has been able to travel to some beautiful places over the years, with a big thanks to his bike. Recently he got back from a trip to Mexico where he rode his bike with my other cousin, Tully, and some friends through 500 miles of the country from Mexico City to Oaxaca. He also shares about an 11,000-mile road trip he took in 2020 during the pandemic where he saw 25 national parks and took time to appreciate the natural beauty the states have to offer. One valuable mindset he shares is searching for more questions instead of answers which is worth listening to alone. We also get into each of our top 6 favorite national parks which might have a few surprises on both sides. Go give hime a follow on instagram @ljoneswilkins for constant entertainment and be sure to check out his work at the Rodeo Adventure Labs journal. 

Listen in to this episode with Jesse Leak as he shares how the spark to travel and explore started on a trip to Costa Rica in his early 20's and not until his early 30's when he went on his first backpacking trip where he discovered his love for exploring more remote areas. A few stories we dive into are a trip to Thailand where he had to deal with bike accident to discover a different experience to his trip than he was expecting, as well as trekking Peru's Cordillera Huayhuash, and spending 4 weeks in El Chalten, the trekking capitol of Argentina and home to Mt. Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. Jesse discusses some valuable mindsets about finding what makes you happy and building a life around that. Along with all these captivating stories, Jesse has some incredible photos share and is well worth a look on instagram @jeltown.

Zoe shares how a ski trip with some coworkers to Breck led her to taking a job in Colorado 3 months later and diving into all that Colorado has to offer. She also shares some fun stories from backpacking in Sand Dunes National Park, to her first solo backpack on her 3rd ever backpack trip, and a spontaneous last minute trip change to San Diego. With these stories she emphasizes a few lessons including the importance of pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones, being open to changes, and not being afraid to move on from people who are not adding value or reciprocating the effort you are putting into the friendship or relationship. Be sure to listen in for more and give her a follow for outdoorsy inspiration @zoezyvith.

From a spark at a young age, exploring many of the country's national parks, to urban exploration as a young adult, to what has now captured her full attention in the mountaineering and bike-packing scenes, Emily does not lack adventurous stories. It was a pleasure hearing about her experiences in the Eastern Sierras, where she found the belief in herself and passion for climbing big mountains, to summiting Ama Dublam in Nepal, and blazing her own bike-packing trails in Iceland. She shares her passion for making others feel that these experiences are within their reach as well along with some great lessons she's learned in her travels over the years. Be sure to check out the breathtaking captures from these trips and more on her instagram @alpinemily

This was a super fun episode with Zach, talking about how early sunrise hikes before class in high school turned into 3 months abroad exploring Iceland, the Italian Dolomites, and the Faroe Islands. Since then he has spent time in Peru on three separate trips, with one story that you are sure to want to listen into, exploring remote homesteads, hiking through torrential downpours, and building connections with the friendly people of Peru. Zach has some inspiring lessons and mindsets that he has taken away from his experiences that are sure to make an impact on how you approach your next trip, hike, and even daily life. Make sure you stay up to date with his writing, photos, and videos @zwiegs.

In this episode, Natalie shares her journey from starting off her career in California spending time at the beach and hiking in the surrounding area to becoming obsessed with the mountains once she moved to Seattle and experienced the grandeur of Mt Rainier. After a tough experience in her next role in Phoenix, she soon found herself back in Washington finding the healing powers of the mountains and summiting Mt. Rainier to find some confidence and belief in herself. Past that spark, she has since done a solo trip to Switzerland, a return to Switzerland with her cousin where she summited the tallest peak, and trekked in Peru below the massive peaks of the Andes. On top of these incredible trips, she also shares some important mindsets around self-exploration and being present. Be sure to follow her on Instagram for some incredible imagery and exciting new projects in the works @solidayinn

If you're looking to get deep, this is your episode. Ian and I dive into some great life lessons and he shares some incredible journeys and trips he has been on over the years. He first picked up a camera as a therapeutic device to get him outdoors and embrace the healing powers of nature as he recovered from several head injuries, and little did he know, this would be the spark for future travels to New Zealand, the coast of Oregon, and cliff jumping in the canyons of Utah. If you are looking for some motivation to get out of a rut or change your current thinking about life, look no further than the beautiful insight Ian provides in this episode. And be sure to check out the incredible work he is up to on Instagram @besomethingwilder

This episode is loaded with fun stories, life advice, and inspiration for your next adventure. Chris shares how he broke away from the 9-5 and the spark that through hiking the CDT created for him in his new life. Listen in to hear a wild hitch-hiking story early in his CDT trek and some vivid descriptions from his experiences with monsoons while in Nepal. On top of these stories, he shares some sage advice for those of us trying to live a fulfilling life free of stuff and loaded with experiences and memories. Be sure to follow along with his journeys on instagram @verticalrealm and on his website - https://vertical-realm.com/.

This conversation was such a blast with Bryce. He talks about the defining moment of work taking a toll and how a trip to Europe changed his whole perspective. Not too much later after his return to the States, he was off in his truck from Charleston to White Sands, the some 2,000 plus miles basically on a whim. We dive into the benefits of social media and the way it's connected us and other people as he talks about a trip to Alaska, again on short notice, where he met up with a past guest, Kai Larsen, to hike the backcountry on one of Bryce's favorite trips of his life. There's so much more to hear about so, hop on and give it a listen. And be sure to follow him along to see what he get's up to in New Zealand on all socials @brycectravels

Pumped to be sharing this one with you all as Paige shares some exciting stories from two different volcanic eruptions and some details into the life of a storm chaser. Listen in to hear about her leaving her rental car on the side of the road in Guatemala as she and her crew trekked up Acatenango to witness the eruption, wearing a dress in 10 degree weather in Iceland, and getting caught in 80-90 mph winds while chasing storms in the middle of the states. Be sure to check out her impressive gallery on instagram @paigevincent and @reddressseries  

Jump in for a listen to Brandon Dotinga's journey to landing in the beautiful state of Utah. Brandon shares how he jumped around a bit from California to the midwest and how a few backpacks in Utah led to him eventually settling in there. While managing the busy lifestyle with a young kid, he managed to share the camping experience with his son this past year, and has plans to continue this in 2024 alongside a goal of hiking 300 miles this year. Listen in for more details and be sure to give him a follow on instagram at @bdotes.

This episode is loaded with adventure and wisdom from an absolute badass mountaineer in Jason Weiss. He shares stories from the start of his time out west and the spark that a backpack through the John Muir Trail had in leading him to gradually make his way to bigger and badder stuff. Hop on for a listen to his time in Nepal and summiting Ama Dablam for sunrise as well as a few quotes that are sure to get the inner explorer in you fired up. Follow along and check out his work on instagram @jasonweissphotography and at his website https://www.jasonweissphotography.com/.

While my aim of this show is to share other people's stories and experiences, I figured with the end of the year coming up, it could be fun for me to share more about my experiences over the last year as opposed to the small snippets you may have heard in past episodes. This year has been one I've been dreaming about since early in my Colorado days. I never would have imagined traveling to Patagonia, doing two week + long trips to Utah within a month, going on 6 backpacking trips, traveling through Colorado and New England within the same fall season, and working with my first tourism board would all happen within a year, but this year it happened. This is not to say that everything was great this year as I've had my fair share of downs, but looking back on it, it's hard not to be grateful for all the experiences. I appreciate you all more than you know and cannot wait to see what 2024 has in store for all of us. Happy exploring!

This episode is full of stories from Alaska to Utah along with some great mindsets for anyone looking to expand their networks and ways of thinking. Kai shares some memorable moments from time spent living and working up in Denali and some experiences road-tripping through southern Utah where he was joined by a group of 8-10 other creatives along the journey. Through this episode you will be quick to learn what a humble guy Kai is. Be sure to check out what he's up to on instagram and youtube @kai__larsen.

This episode is full of stories from Travis, highlighting backpacking trips through the Elk range in Colorado to several treks throughout Peru, and then a wild one from peaking one of Colorado's toughest 14ers in Capitol Peak. He shares some valuable lessons and takeaways from these travels as he pushed his limits, often while out on solo adventures. I'm sure we will be having him back in the future to share his newest adventures, but in the meantime, you can follow what he's up to on instagram at @whatthefoki.

This episode was a ton of fun diving into Pat's story and a few trips along the way. He is an absolute beast of a hiker and clearly well-traveled from the stories you will hear in this episode. His insight to change and being a late-bloomer to the outdoors scene is worth the listen no matter what your hobbies are. Pop this one on for some good laughs, inspiring stories, and a spark in the way you think about what the future holds for you. Be sure to give him a follow on IG at @wandering.russo and maybe even send him a message to release the archive of bangers he's keeping to himself. 

It was a pleasure having Wyatt on this episode and hearing about the work he's done to keep trails up and the beautiful places we explore clean, some wild adventures including a trip to Vietnam, and his plans for the future with his family traveling and living out of their camper. He also shared some wise advice for those wanting to get out and do more with what means the most to them that is worth the listen alone. Go follow along on his travels at @wyattpetersonstudios

Super pumped to have a good friend and incredible photographer on this episode today, Mike Dowdell. We met about a year ago chasing the fall foliage in SW Colorado and have been on some incredible adventures ever since. Mike shares how his love for photography was instant as soon as he picked up his first camera three years ago, and his travels ever since have produced a number of stories that we were able to dive into. Please go check out his work on instagram if you have not already. You are sure to be blown away - @mikedowdellphotography

On this episode, I chat with Wyatt Shaffer, a talented photographer based in Florida, with an eye for everything from cityscapes to landscapes as well as some beautiful product work. He shares some stories of trips where there wasn't much of an agenda, except to go out and explore and see what catches his eye, a mindset I think a lot of photographers these days could take note of. We also talk about the importance of not putting too much pressure on ourselves as creatives and enjoying the process for what it's worth. Take each day as it is and make the most of it. Go check out his work on instagram @wyattpshaffer where you can be directed to his other pages and projects as well. 

After a bit of a hiatus, I am back with a new episode and stoked for this one. Chandler and I have been chatting for a while, but with the fall season keeping both of us busy it took some time to get this one lined up. We are quick to get into how covid inspired him to pick up a camera and start exploring more of where he grew up in the state of Utah. He shares how the hobby quickly became a passion and soon a career. We talk about the photography community and the great people that are a part of it, how quickly friendships are made through it, and how instagram isn't so bad after all. He discusses his mindset for living a life true to him in his early days as opposed to after retirement and the adventures it helped bring him on. As the original founder of the Real Bushwhackers, he encourages our audience to check out their page and youtube and join a community of incredible outdoors people looking to share the love for the beautiful landscapes we have access to. Also go check out some of his incredible photos at @chandler_photos33 on IG.

Stoked to be back with a new episode with a new guest, Taylor Dalton. He shared some amazing stories from traveling the country in a converted bus to jam-packed 24-hour adventures in the desert. His advice, not only for creators, but people in general looking to grow and live a life they can look back on and be proud of is worth the listen alone. Go follow along with his new adventures on instagram @tdcameraman 

We are back with this in-person episode from Twin Lakes with some sage words from Brad Couture. I've been following Brad for quite a while and was stoked to finally meet him in person as we both were sending it around Colorado to catch the fall foliage. He has some of the most underrated photography work out there and also some mindsets that can be applicable to anyone, regardless of their occupation or hobby. Brad was coming to an end on his van life journey, at least for the time being, after spending 10 months on the road and had a lot to share about the experience that is worth the listen. 

In this episode, Madi shares how her love for photography has been with her since a child, yet has evolved over the years into what now is a love for wildlife photography. Among this and a few other experiences, she talks about the importance of being present in a world of social media, where our attention is constantly being pulled to other parts of the country or world. She also expresses the importance of focusing on our own paths instead of joining the game of comparison. Listen in for more details on how you can try to implement in your own life. 

The people you meet on your travels are what makes the trip and in some cases your life. This episode's guest, Luke Stankiewicz, can say that both were the case while working on the road, leading to him meeting his wife. Luke shares his story from initially traveling for work in the events industry to picking up his camera and honing the craft to share more of his life from the road. A fellow east-coaster, Luke eventually made the move out to Utah which he now calls home. He shares a message that everyone can take to heart while being outdoors, in having fun with it and not taking it too seriously no matter your motivation for being out there. 

Bryce was a pleasure to have on the show as he shared some incredible stories from his travels and some defining moments in his life that completely shifted his outlook. The lessons he describes from all of his experiences are ones that everyone can learn from and look to implement into their lives as well. It was cool to hear how he is bringing those lessons and mindsets to his work on a set of documentaries he is currently working on.  

The positive energy from this episode is palpable. Luke brought some awesome experiences and mindsets to the stage and got me excited to go out, do some exploring, and keep living the life that is authentic to me. He shares how he took a complete career jump and how that, and his move from the Midwest out to Utah, has changed his life. Anyone I've talked to has shared how passionate Luke is about connecting people and rooting for everyone to find success. It was quickly apparent that he is one of the most selfless people I've met and a true gem of a person. I hope everyone who listens to this show has the chance to connect with him one day and feed off his energy. Please go give him some love and feel free to connect with him @thelukefurman

Grab some headphones and give this one all your attention. Justin has the most inspiring story I've heard on the show, countless lessons and mindsets, and the ability to tell some damn good stories. He shares memories from his childhood, spending time catching frogs in the woods until the sun went down, and some big life decisions that changed his whole trajectory. After overcoming drug addiction, Justin found his way back to the outdoors, now traveling full-time in his van capturing the most stunning landscapes you have ever seen. I left this conversation jacked up about what the future might hold for me and I hope the same goes for you. 

This episode was a new one for the pod in many ways. To start, Courtney was the first nominated guest that I had never met prior to our conversation. On top of that, it was the first virtual conversation. With all that said, it was an incredible chat. Courtney clearly has been up to some awesome adventures and the excited energy she spoke of her trips with made it clear how passionate she was about the outdoors. She has a beautiful view on life and many insights that can be useful for anyone. Go follow along on her travels @court.heseltine on instagram and twitter.

Beyond excited to be sharing this episode with a good friend and incredibly talented photographer, Ethan Abitz. We sat down fireside, to discuss the incredible journey Ethan has been on from dropping out of college to pursue his dream, to driving across the country, and recently flying across the world. This chat is nothing but inspirational for anyone wanting to live a life on their terms. Ethan has been a constant inspiration for me in living a life that is true to me and it was an absolute pleasure hearing about all his travels and the hard work that he has put into living a life authentic to him. Be sure to check out his cabin work, lifestyle shots, and beautiful film collection across social media @ethanabitz